Steph is a Laois mammy of 3 small kids. She has started a blog to document her life as a mammy muddling through parenthood and searching for her identity in a world wider than her own four walls.
As the pandemic continues she has started a diary to describe daily life as a ‘stuck-at-home mom’.
SUNDAY
Last week was a tough week in our house. The kids were all on sleep strike. I’m running on fumes and I just don’t see an end in sight.
There is always so much to be done and never the time to do it – but by the same token, all we have is time.
Time to fight and moan and whinge and kick up about food or telly or some injustice carried out by a sibling! We have time to eat and drink and shout and jump around and play and build forts or make playdoh buffets.
But when it comes to time for me to do some work, or some cleaning or to have a shower, there is no time. So that’s the goal for this week, to take some time for myself in this madness! Let’s see how I get on!
We had a lovely day in the local (secret) woods today. There was nobody around so the kids were free to climb trees, run riot through the bushes and explore the environment! There was much to be explored and even though we had to sit through a few tantrums we all had a good time.
It didn’t help with the sleeping situation though, sleep strike continues – no rest for the wicked!
MONDAY
Today marks the day that the country is taking its’ first tentative steps towards reopening!
It’s a landmark kind of a day, but in reality a day that means absolutely nothing for me and my situation. I won’t be venturing out into the world.
I won’t be bringing the kids much further, not least because I can’t face another #vomitgate incident. I won’t really be changing my daily routine (as in the complete lack of a routine).
The only thing I will now consider is a few family visits, a few outdoor playdates, a chance to catch up with a few important Mammy friends and of course a chance for the kids to re-integrate into society a bit.
God, I hope they can behave like civilised humans in front of other people!
TUESDAY
Today is a very exciting day in our house. My parents are coming to see us for the first time since before lockdown.
My mam has been counting the days until she could get up here. My Dad has even taken a day off work. They’re a little worried about breaking the 20km rule, but at the same time I wouldn’t like to be the Garda who stops my mam on the road. A Granny’s love for her grandkids is a force to be reckoned with!
Himself has the barbeque set up as it will be an all outdoors affair. The kids were warned (AGAIN) about the no touching rules and the place was just a flurry of activity.
It was so strange when they finally arrived. We’re not a mad touchy-feely kind of family, but Jesus it’s so weird not to hug your own Mam and Dad when they come to your house.
The kids were great, but you could see the longing in them, and especially in my parents for a little cheeky snuggle!
They performed their Grand-parently duties, ooohhing and aaahhhhing at all of the new skills the children had learned, proclaiming how tall they’d all grown and how much they had missed them.
They dutifully followed them around the garden to see the vegetable patch, the flower garden and the new bits in the play area.
It was a fantastic day, if a little sad too. Their love has grown but the way in which they can express it has changed. No more hugs and kisses, no more holding hands walking around the garden Social distance has taken that away, but for the greater good.
WEDNESDAY
Today was rough. I woke up with a headache that developed quickly into a migraine. The kids were all up to 90 after the visit yesterday and no amount of Paracetamol was helping clear my head.
I decided fresh air was in order so rallied the troops to go outside, if only to put some distance between me and their incessant screeching.
I don’t know if it’s just my kids but Jesus Christ, the screeching and squealing that goes on in our house is just beyond belief. I ended up going on three different walks throughout the day just to escape the little banshees!
If they don’t start sleeping soon I’m going to be taking shares out in the local chemist!
THURSDAY
Today was my first day to brave town since restrictions have been relaxed. There was a huge difference. I haven’t seen so many kids in a long time.
It was so strange to see children walking around with their parents, and so strange to see children doing what their parents told them to – I’m not used to that at all!
It was lovely to see things returning to normal, but also a little worrying. I hope to God that a taste of freedom isn’t going to drive us all mad altogether and we’ll wind up locked back up in our houses! The fear is real!!
FRIDAY
Today was a mixed bag weather wise. We were expecting thunder and lightning and instead we had a lovely spell of sunshine and I got the kids out all afternoon!!
I have found my Zen place at home. I just love being out in the garden, sitting at the table, drinking tea, watching the kids play together. It just makes me smile from the inside. I love watching the 5-year-old show compassion and care for the 1-year-old.
I love watching the 3-year-old as she fearlessly leaps from adventure to adventure. I love watching the 1-year-old as he bravely attempts some new skill or mischief that he’s learned from his sisters.
I keep looking at how much they have learned and how much they have grown and I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have got to share these moments with them.
Even when I don’t feel lucky, when I feel drained or angry or sad or mad or touched out or all of the above, I know on some level that I am so lucky.
They’ll never be this age again. They’ll never learn these things again. I may be experiencing them do things for the first time, and even more important, I may be watching them doing some things for the last time!
(#blessed #loveeverymoment #vomit #getreal)
SEE ALSO – Diary of a Stuck at Home Mum: Cutting hair, tractors and sleep deprivation
